U.S. patent application number 16/274388 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-22 for mobile storage system with direct wireless connectivity.
This patent application is currently assigned to Spacesaver Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Spacesaver Corporation. Invention is credited to Brian Patrick Bourke, Eric James Wipperfurth.
Application Number | 20190256287 16/274388 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67617221 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-22 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190256287 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bourke; Brian Patrick ; et
al. |
August 22, 2019 |
Mobile Storage System with Direct Wireless Connectivity
Abstract
A mobile storage system including a plurality of movable storage
units that can be positioned to selectively form an aisle between
adjacent storage units. The mobile storage system includes a master
controller in communication with a local control unit and a local
control panel on each storage unit. The master controller
communicates through a wireless communication path with a user
device having a visual display. The visual display presents a
current image of the mobile storage system and allows a user to
enter commands to create aisles between adjacent storage units.
When the user device is in wireless communication with the master
controller, the master controller prevents operation of the storage
units from the local control panels. The master controller allows a
wireless communication path to be created with only a single user
device at any time such that only one user device is able to
operate the mobile storage system.
Inventors: |
Bourke; Brian Patrick;
(Milton, WI) ; Wipperfurth; Eric James; (Fort
Atkinson, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Spacesaver Corporation |
Fort Atkinson |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Spacesaver Corporation
Fort Atkinson
WI
|
Family ID: |
67617221 |
Appl. No.: |
16/274388 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62633173 |
Feb 21, 2018 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/087 20130101;
H04W 4/029 20180201; G06Q 10/00 20130101; B65G 1/10 20130101; A47B
53/02 20130101; H04W 12/08 20130101; A47B 57/06 20130101; H04W
76/10 20180201; B65G 1/137 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65G 1/137 20060101
B65G001/137; A47B 57/06 20060101 A47B057/06; H04W 4/029 20060101
H04W004/029; H04W 76/10 20060101 H04W076/10 |
Claims
1. A mobile storage system, comprising: a plurality of movable
storage units, wherein each of the storage units includes a local
control unit and a local control panel, wherein the local control
panel allows a user to manually enter control commands to move the
storage unit; a master controller in communication with the
plurality of local control units of the plurality of movable
storage units; a wireless transceiver in communication with the
master controller to receive and transmit messages from the master
controller; and a user device including a display that allows the
user to enter commands and view control images related to the
mobile storage system, wherein the user device is in wireless
communication with the master controller such that the user
controls operation of the mobile storage system through the user
device.
2. The mobile storage system of claim 1 wherein the display
includes a visual representation of the series of movable storage
units and a current location of each of the plurality of movable
storage units.
3. The mobile storage system of claim 1 wherein when the user
device is in communication with the master controller, each of the
local control panels is disabled.
4. The mobile storage system of claim 3 wherein when the user
device and the master controller have created a wireless
connection, the master controller disables the local control panels
and prevents a wireless connection with another user device.
5. The mobile storage system of claim 2 wherein the display
includes a plurality of aisle indicator each representing an aisle
between a pair of the plurality of movable storage units, wherein
the user is able to create separation between a pair of movable
storage units by depressing the aisle indicator.
6. The mobile storage system of claim 5 further comprising a visual
indicator surrounding each of the plurality of aisle indicators,
wherein a color of the visual indicator indicates a status of the
aisle.
7. The mobile storage system of claim 2 wherein the display
includes an inventory list button for each aisle between the a pair
of the plurality of movable storage units, wherein the user is able
to view an inventory of the pair of movable storage units by
depressing the inventory list button on the display.
8. The mobile storage system of claim 7 wherein the display
includes a search bar that allows the user to search an inventory
of the series of movable storage units, wherein an aisle indicator
is highlighted for an aisle including the located inventory.
9. The mobile storage system of claim 1 wherein the master
controller is mounted to one of the plurality of movable storage
units.
10. The mobile storage system of claim 1 wherein the user device is
operable to upload any one or more of operating parameters,
software updates and operating programs from the user device to the
master controller utilizing the wireless connection.
11. The mobile storage system of claim 1 wherein the master
controller is operable to wirelessly transmit diagnostic
information about the mobile storage system to the user device
utilizing the wireless connection.
12. A mobile storage system, comprising: a plurality of movable
storage units, wherein each of the storage units includes a local
control panel that is operable to allow a user to manually enter
control commands to move the storage unit; a master controller
mounted to one of the plurality of movable storage units and in
communication with the plurality of local control panels of the
plurality of movable storage units; a wireless transceiver in
communication with the master controller to receive and transmit
commands from the master controller; and a user device including a
display that allows the user to enter commands and view control
images related to the status of the mobile storage system, wherein
the user device is in wireless communication with the master
controller such that the user controls operation of the mobile
storage system through the user device.
13. The mobile storage system of claim 12 wherein when the user
device is in communication with the master controller, each of the
local control panels is disabled.
14. The mobile storage system of claim 13 wherein when the user
device and the master controller have created a wireless
connection, the master controller disables the local control panels
and prevents a wireless connection with another user device.
15. The mobile storage system of claim 12 wherein the display
includes a visual representation of the series of mobile storage
units including a plurality of aisle indicators each representing
an aisle between a pair of the plurality of movable storage units,
wherein the user is able to create separation between a pair of
movable storage units by depressing the aisle indicator.
16. The mobile storage system of claim 15 further comprising a
visual indicator surrounding each of the plurality of aisle
indicators, wherein a color of the visual indicator indicates a
status of the aisle.
17. A method of controlling operation of a mobile storage system
including a plurality of movable storage units, comprising the
steps of: controlling operation of the mobile storage system
utilizing a local control panel positioned on each of the storage
units; providing a master controller in communication with the
plurality of local control panels of the plurality of movable
storage units; creating a wireless connection between a user device
and the master controller; receiving operating commands from the
user device at the master controller; and adjusting the position of
the plurality of movable storage units utilizing the master
controller based upon the commands received from the user through
the user device.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of
presenting a visual representation of the series of movable storage
units and the current location of each of the plurality of movable
storage units on the user device.
19. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of disabling
each of the local control panels when the user device is in
wireless communication with master controller such that only the
user device can cause movement of the plurality of movable storage
units.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising the step of
preventing a wireless connection between the master controller and
another user device when the master controller is in wireless
communication with the user device.
21. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of
presenting an aisle indicator on the display for each aisle between
a pair of the plurality of movable storage units, wherein the user
is able to create separation between a pair of the movable storage
units by depressing the aisle indicator.
22. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of uploading
operating parameter, software update and operating programs from
the user device to the master controller utilizing the wireless
connection.
23. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of
wirelessly transmitting diagnostic information about the mobile
storage system from the master controller to the user device.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to powered mobile
storage systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates
to a wireless communication link between a powered mobile storage
system and a remote smart device.
[0002] A mobile storage system typically consists of a number of
storage units that are selectively movable relative to each other
to form an aisle between an adjacent pair of the storage units. The
storage units are typically mounted to a pair of spaced apart
rails, and each storage unit includes a carriage having wheels that
are movable along the rails. Each storage unit includes a drive
motor that is responsive to command inputs from an operator, so as
to provide movement of the storage units on the rails.
[0003] In the prior art, the number and spacing of the storage
units are selected relative to the length of the rail such that a
single aisle having a predetermined width can be created between
any selected adjacent pair of storage units. Prior art powered
mobile storage systems typically include a local control panel that
allows an operator to selectively move the storage units to create
an aisle in a desired location. Such system requires the operator
to move between the storage units to create the aisle in a desired
location. A limitation of this type of system is that an aisle
between the storage units may be being created locally by one user
while another, second user is in the process of obtaining material
from a currently open aisle. Thus, it is desirable for the mobile
storage system to have a control device that can be carried with
the user and used to create an aisle at a desired location while
preventing another user from controlling the movement of the
storage units.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure relates to a powered mobile storage
system that includes direct wireless connectivity between the
storage system and a smart device. An application software that
runs on the smart device provides diagnostic and
software/firmware/configuration updates to the mobile storage
system utilizing direct wireless communication. The communication
allows the user/operator to configure operation of the mobile
storage system from the smart device. A wide variety of operational
functions and configurations can be adjusted from the smart device
using the wireless connectivity of the present disclosure.
[0005] The mobile storage system of the present disclosure includes
a plurality of movable storage units that each includes a local
control unit and a local control panel. The local control panel
includes buttons that allow a user to manually enter control
commands to move the storage unit as desired. In accordance with
the present disclosure, the mobile storage system includes a master
controller that is in communication with the plurality of local
control units and the plurality of local control panels. The master
controller is connected to a wireless transceiver such that the
master controller can receive and transmit messages and commands.
The mobile storage system further includes a user device having a
display that allows the user to enter commands and view control
images related to the mobile storage unit on the user device.
During operation, the user device communicates with the master
controller such that the user can control operation of the mobile
storage system through the user device.
[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure,
the display includes a visual representation of the series of
movable storage units and the current location of each of the
plurality of movable storage units. When the user device is in
communication with the master controller, each of the local control
panels is disabled and the master controller prevents a wireless
connection to another user device. In this manner, only the user
device in communication with the master controller is able to
control the movement of the movable storage units.
[0007] The display of the user device includes a plurality of aisle
indicators that each represents an aisle between a pair of adjacent
storage units. By depressing one of the aisle indicators, the user
is able to create separation between the pair of movable storage
units. Each of the aisle indicators includes a visual indicator
that indicates the status of the aisle. Different colors of the
visual indicators provide information to the user as to the status
of the aisle.
[0008] Various other features, objects and advantages of the
invention will be made apparent from the following description
taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated
of carrying out the disclosure. In the drawings:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the powered mobile
storage system including the wireless connectivity of the present
disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a display showing the individual mobile units and
an aisle created within the mobile units;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a display showing an inventory search
function;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a display showing the activation of a sensor or
safety system;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a view showing the activation of a safety
feature;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a pop-up message showing a locked aisle;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a display showing an outline around an aisle
indicator indicating the aisle should be checked;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a pop-up message asking the user to clear the
indicator;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a display showing two aisles open for review;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a stop button displayed on the smart device;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a view showing an inventory feature;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a main page displayed by service application
software on a smart device; and
[0022] FIGS. 13-24 are various display screens shown by the service
application software on the smart device during operation of the
mobile storage system of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates the operation of a powered mobile storage
system 10 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. As
shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the mobile storage system 10
includes a series of powered mobile storage units 12 that each are
movable along a floor mounted track 14 between a pair of stationary
end units 16. The series of mobile storage units 12 define an
access aisle 18 that allows a user to access materials stored on a
pair of adjacent mobile storage units 12.
[0024] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each of the storage units
12 includes a local control unit 22 and an associated control panel
24 that includes a series of control buttons 26 that allow an
operator to locally control the movement of each of the individual
mobile storage units 12.
[0025] Each of the local control panels 24 communicates with the
associated local control unit 22 over a local communication path 28
while the individual control units 22 communicate with each other
over a communication path 30. The communication path 30 between the
control units 22 can either be a wired connection or a wireless
connection. The communication path 30 allows each of the control
units 22 to communicate with each other to relay various
information as will be discussed in greater detail below.
[0026] In accordance with the present disclosure, the mobile
storage system 10 includes a wireless transceiver 32 that is
operable to communicate utilizing a wireless link 34 to remote
devices. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an operator 36 can
utilize a smart device 38 to wirelessly communicate utilizing the
wireless link 34 with the control unit 22 through the wireless
transceiver 32. In the embodiment shown, the wireless communication
link 34 is a Bluetooth direct link between the smart device 38 and
the wireless transceiver 32. However, different types of wireless
protocols could be utilized while operating within the scope of the
present disclosure. In the embodiment shown, the smart device 38
can be a smartphone, tablet or any other type of portable device
that can be used by the operator 36. The smart device 38 includes a
display 40 that allows the operator 36 to visually view screen
displays and enter commands.
[0027] In accordance with the present disclosure, the direct
wireless connection between the smart device 38 and the powered
mobile storage system 10 enables the remote control of the
individual mobile storage units 12. The smart device 38 is
configured to include a piece of application software that can
operate on the smart device utilizing different types of operating
systems, such as Apple iOS or Android.
[0028] The application software operating on the smart device 38
communicates to the powered mobile storage system 10 through a
proprietary designed logic control through the wireless transceiver
utilizing Bluetooth communication techniques. The logic control in
the embodiment shown operates on a master controller 42 of the
mobile storage unit 12 that includes or is directly in
communication with the wireless transceiver 32. Although the master
controller 42 and wireless transceiver 32 are depicted as being
separate, it should be understood that the master controller 42 and
wireless transceiver 32 could be combined into a single unit. The
master controller 42 could be mounted on any one of the storage
units 12 or 16 as long as the master controller 42 is in
communication with the wireless transceiver 32 to communicate
utilizing the wireless protocol. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
the local control unit 22 on the storage unit including the
wireless transceiver 32 communicates directly to the master
controller 42.
[0029] The master controller 42 communicates to the local control
unit 22 of each of the storage units 12 and continuously monitors
and contains all status information regarding the position and
operation of the storage units 12. The master controller 42 has the
ability to configure and execute system movements based upon
various triggers (real-time, elapsed time, interfaces to building
security/fire/monitoring systems, etc.). Using this information,
the master controller 42 communicates to the application software
on the smart device 38 and provides the needed information such
that the application software can then construct the visual
representation of the mobile storage system 10, including the
location of open or closed aisles and the status of each storage
unit. FIG. 2 is a sample illustration that can be shown on the
display of the smart device showing each of the individual mobile
storage units 12 and the aisle 18 created between a pair of the
storage units.
[0030] The application software running on the smart device 38 has
the ability to access resources on the smart device itself. One
specific resource reports the number of Bluetooth devices found in
the communication area near the smart device 28. The master
controller 42 contains a name and characteristic that are unique to
the master controller 42. The application software on the smart
device 38 scans for Bluetooth devices and uses the unique name and
characteristics of located devices of interest. In this manner, the
smart device 28 is able to find all detectable mobile storage
systems 10 within communication range. The nearest storage system
10 is found by the application software utilizing the strength of
the received Bluetooth signal. The stronger the received Bluetooth
wireless signal, the closer the mobile storage system 10.
[0031] The graphic user interface 44 shown in FIG. 2 is designed to
emulate the color-coded system utilized on the control panel 24 on
each of the storage units. The local user controls 24 on each of
the storage units have simple to understand status indicators.
These indicators are also used on the application software.
[0032] For example, the color red is indicative that a safety is
activated and that the operator should check for an obstruction. As
shown in FIG. 4, when a sensor or a safety is activated on the
mobile storage system, the aisle indicator on the graphical user
interface 44 includes a red outline 46 around the aisle indicator
48. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the aisle indicator 48 is
between a pair of the storage units. When a user presses the aisle
indicator surrounded by the outline 46, a pop-up message is
displayed that instructs the user on the status of the system and
actions that can be taken. FIGS. 5 and 6 show various messages that
can be presented to the operator, including that the aisle is
locked or that an object was detected in the aisle.
[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which the outline 46 is
yellow which indicates to the operator that the aisle should be
checked. If the outline 46 in FIG. 7 is yellow, the operator can
press the aisle indicator 48 and a pop-up message, such as shown in
FIG. 8 is presented to the operator. If the aisle is clear, the
user can press the reset 50.
[0034] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment in which the outline 46 for
each of the two aisle indicators 48 is green. The green color of
the outline 46 indicates that the system is ready for use. When a
user presses and holds the aisle indicator 46 for a defined period
of time, haptic and audible feedback is given to the operator. The
application software can then send a command to the mobile storage
system 10 to open a selected aisle. As soon as movement begins, a
stop sign 51 such as shown in FIG. 10 is shown on the display. The
application user can depress the stop sign to stop all movement in
the mobile storage system 10 as needed.
[0035] The application software of the present disclosure also
includes the ability to allow reset if the system has at least two
safeties per aisle. The feature to reset locked (yellow) aisles
from the application software allows the application user to clear
locked aisles and make the system ready for use. This feature can
be deactivated in several ways. For example, a minimum number of
safeties, proximity to the system, or a setting that only a trained
service personnel or administrator has access to are a few of the
contemplated methods.
[0036] When the application software is connected to the mobile
storage system 10 for the first time, the application on the smart
device will allow the user to name the mobile storage system. This
information can be stored locally on the smart device or centrally
on the master controller 42. Subsequent connections to the mobile
storage system will use the name assigned.
[0037] As indicated above, proximity to the mobile storage system
10 is determined by the wireless signal strength at the smart
device 38. The stronger the signal, the closer the smart device 38
is to the storage system 10. Additional resources available on the
smart device 38 can be accessed to more accurately determine
proximity. These resources can include GPS, compass, and various RF
pinging signals to a known fixed location and measuring time for a
message roundtrip resulting in triangulation of the smart
device.
[0038] Each smart device 38 has a unique identifier. Further, each
master controller 42 has a unique identifier. The application
software has access to these unique identifiers and can grant or
restrict access to the mobile storage system movements and settings
via the master controller 42. The access can be set up and changed
by an administrator who has unique access rights. When the
application software is connected to the mobile storage system 10
through the master controller 42, events can be recorded into a log
file and stored locally on the smart device or centrally on the
master controller or centrally using cloud storage. It is also
possible for the system events and diagnostic logs to be sent
manually or automatically to service personnel or administrators.
This information can be used to keep the system operating at peak
performance and the items can be organized on the system in the
most efficient method to minimize access time.
[0039] The system operation of the present disclosure also provides
the ability to grant or restrict access to system controls by a
passcode and/or other unique device identifiers. Each smart device
38 has a unique identifier, as does each of the master controllers
42. The application software can grant or restrict access to the
mobile storage system 10 movements utilizing the master controller
42. The access can be set up and changed by an administrator who
may issue passcodes in addition to the unique identification to
further restrict or grant access to specific movements and/or
settings of the mobile storage system.
[0040] When the application software on the smart device 38
establishes wireless communication to the master controller, all
access to the master controller is disabled from other sources.
These sources include the individual control panels 24, other smart
devices, RF remotes and IR remotes. However, one control that is
always active from every source is the stop button. The lock-out
feature gives an added level of assurance to the user who might be
accessing stored items while on foot, motorized lift, or fork truck
that the system cannot be moved while the app is connected.
Additional features are envisioned that allow an administrator to
disconnect a user who has unintentionally stayed connected for too
long.
[0041] To easily connect the application software on the smart
device 38 to the master controller 42, a unique passcode is given
to the master controller 42. By entering this passcode, an
additional level of security is used to assure that only authorized
users can connect the application software to the master
controller. The passcode is only required to be entered one time on
a smart device 38. At the time the passcode is entered, the master
controller 42 may log the event.
[0042] In further accordance with the present disclosure, only a
single person at a time can be connected to the mobile storage
system 10. The user lock-out feature allows an administrator to set
access to the system only by the application software on the smart
device 38. This feature may be used in areas of public access, such
as a library where students and faculty are issued the app and the
controls on the system are locked out. This assures that only one
user at a time can access the system. This further allows a
complete log of who accessed the system, where access occurred, the
time and date of the access, as well as the duration of the
access.
[0043] As shown in several of the drawing figures, an inventory
list button 52 is shown on the display for the open aisle or
aisles. When depressed, an inventory listing is presented to the
user, which is a simple searchable text listing of items that are
stored on the left and right side of each aisle in the mobile
storage system 10. The application software on the smart device
shows the simple "Tap for Inventory" button 52 in open aisles. When
the button 52 is pressed, a pop-up list of items stored on the
system on the left and right is displayed. An example of the list
is shown in FIG. 11. Three methods of searching for items are:
[0044] a. The user visually scans the pop-up list in the open aisle
and swipes left or right to view item lists of other aisles to find
the desired item. The list of items can be presented in a text
listing or through a series of photographs representing the stored
items. [0045] b. Key in the item to be found in the search bar and
when found the boarder around the aisle indicator will be
highlighted indicating the item location. An example of this is
shown in FIG. 3 where an item named 76 is entered into the search
bar 54 and is searched for and shows it is located in aisle 4. A
highlight indicator 56 surrounds the aisle indicator 48 and can be
of a visually distinct color, such as magenta. [0046] c. Voice
commands may be used to search the text inventory. If the item is
found the aisle indicator 48 will highlight using the indicator 56
and the opportunity to open the aisle via voice command is given if
the system is "green" ready for use. The use of voice commands to
located inventory and operate the system to move the mobile units
reduces the physical requirements on the operator, which may be a
benefit to some operators with physical limitations.
[0047] Editing the text entries of inventory items (FIG. 11) stored
in the system can be entered from within the application software
by pressing +, X, or pencil icon buttons then keying in the items
in the correct location, or a file that was created elsewhere can
be imported. The inventory list is then saved locally on the smart
device in a unique file format. [0048] a. Alternately information
may be centrally stored on the master controller or on a local
server or a location in the cloud. [0049] b. The inventory list
file can be imported/exported into and out of the application
software and sent via email.
[0050] Control and setup automatic movements of the mobile units 12
of the mobile storage system 10 can be time or trigger based. While
the application software is connected to the mobile storage system
10, the movements of the system can be recorded and named as a
movement. This named movement can then be set up to be triggered by
the application software or by other time-based or external
triggers.
[0051] The ability to use a smart device as a credential for local
operation of the system is a valuable feature of the present
disclosure. The smart device 38 acts like a key which allows the
system to be used. An example is as follows: the mobile storage
system 10 move buttons on the local control panel 24 are not
active; the application software connects to the mobile storage
system 10; the mobile storage system move buttons on the local
control panel 24 are active and all movements are recorded; the
user closes the application software; the mobile storage system
move buttons on the local control panel 24 are not active.
[0052] The application software on the smart device 38 gives the
service personnel the ability to program and/or update software,
firmware, and configuration parameters on the mobile storage system
10. FIG. 12 shows an example of the diagnostic and service
application software main page 60. The service personnel loads
software, firmware, or configuration files to the smart device from
email or downloads from a secure site. These files are then
available to the application software on the smart device 38.
[0053] To update firmware on master controller 42 the "FLASH"
button 62 is pressed on the Modlogic Operations section 64 on the
main page 60. A screen, such as in FIG. 13, is then displayed on
the smart device 38. The display shows the firmware files available
to load on the master controller 42. A file is selected and then
"FLASH" button 66 is pressed to update the firmware on the master
controller 42. Various status messages and confirmation messages
are displayed during the update processes that are useful to the
service personnel in ensuring that the update process is performed
correctly.
[0054] A similar process is followed to update the firmware on all
the control units 22 contained on the individual storage units 12
of the mobile storage system 12. To update firmware on the control
units 22, the "FLASH" button 68 is pressed on the Eclipse
Operations section on the main page 60 shown in FIG. 12. A screen,
such as in FIG. 14, is then displayed on the smart device. The
display shows and lists the firmware files available to load on the
individual control units 22. A file from the list 70 is selected
and then the "FLASH" button 72 is pressed to update the firmware on
the control units 22. Various status messages and confirmation
messages are displayed during the update process that are useful to
the service personnel in ensuring that the update process performed
correctly on all the local control units 22.
[0055] The configuration of the mobile storage system 10 can be
changed in several ways. One method is to load a file that contains
all the configuration parameters. To load the updated parameters
from a file, the "SYSTEM RESTORE" button 74 is pressed on the
"System File Operations (ECF):" section 76 of the main page 60
shown in FIG. 12. A screen, such as shown in FIG. 15, is then
displayed on the smart device 38. The image displays the
configuration files available to load on the master controller 42
and the control units 22. A file is selected and then "SAVE" button
78 is pressed to update the configuration on the master controller
42 and the local control units 22 of the mobile storage system 10.
Various status messages and confirmation messages are displayed
during the update processes that are useful to the service
personnel in ensuring that the configuration save process is
performed correctly.
[0056] In another contemplated method, configurations can be
changed individually or by group. There are many configurations for
both the master controller 42 and the local control units 22.
Configurations on the master controller 42 can be changed by
pressing the "CONFIG" button 80 in the Modlogic Operations section
64 of the main page 60 shown in FIG. 12. A screen, such as shown in
FIG. 16, is then displayed on the smart device 38. The screen
displays a listing of the Park Configurations 82 for the mobile
storage system 10. These parks are movements that are initiated by
time or trigger. Each park configuration can be configured, read,
and saved by using the buttons 84, 86 and 88 shown in FIG. 16.
[0057] Configurations on the local control units 22 can be changed
by pressing the "CONFIG" button 90 in the Eclipse Operations
section 92 of the main page 60 shown in FIG. 12. A screen, such as
shown in FIG. 17 is then displayed on the smart device 38. The
screen displays a listing of the configuration categories for the
mobile storage system 10. Each configuration category has a button
that when pressed opens a page allowing specific changes to be
configured, read, and saved to the mobile storage system 10. An
example is when the "SAFETY" button 94 is pressed on the display
shown in FIG. 17. A separate page, such as shown in FIG. 18, will
be displayed on the smart device 38. A similar operation occurs for
each configuration category shown in the display of FIG. 17.
[0058] The system of the present disclosure also includes the
ability to diagnose system status/faults/last stops. The system
guides the user/operator through what parts may be needed/how to
troubleshoot/contact information/serial number/order number.
[0059] The application software used in accordance with the present
disclosure connects to the mobile storage system 10 giving the
service personnel the ability to determine system health, find
problems and give guidance to remedy problems.
[0060] FIG. 12 shows an example of the diagnostic and service
application software main page. When the "MONITOR" button 96 is
pressed on the main page 60 in the Eclipse Operations section 92,
the Eclipse Monitor Home (FIG. 19) is displayed. From this page all
the operations of the mobile storage system 10 are categorized.
Each monitor category has a button that when pressed opens a page
showing real-time status and operation in the mobile storage
system. As an example, when the "SAFETIES" button 98 is pressed in
the display of FIG. 19, the Safety Status page shown in FIG. 20 is
displayed on the smart device. On the safety status page of FIG.
19, the current status of the safeties is displayed as Normal in
blue lettering. If the safeties are activated, the message is
changed to Activated in red lettering. Each unit in the mobile
storage system has a Safety Status page used to determine where
Activated and Normal safeties are within the mobile storage system.
A similar operation occurs for each monitor category on the Eclipse
Monitor Home page shown in FIG. 19.
[0061] Referring back to FIG. 12, the main page shows an example of
the diagnostic and service application software main page. When the
"MONITOR" button 100 is pressed on the main page in the ModLogic
Operations section 64, the ModLogic Status page (FIG. 21) is
displayed. From this page, the status of all the ModLogic park
triggers, I/O, and firmware revisions are displayed. When the state
of any of these monitored items changes, the displayed text changes
in real-time.
[0062] With so many ways to configure and monitor the mobile
storage system 10 it could take a long time to diagnose and make
appropriate settings changes. To simplify diagnoses of the mobile
storage system 10, a System Check page has been created. The main
page of FIG. 12 shows an example of the diagnostic and service
application software main page. When the "SYSTEM CHECK" button 102
is pressed on the main page in the Eclipse Operations section 92,
the System Check page (FIG. 22) is displayed on the smart device.
When the "SYSTEM CHECK" button 104 is pressed, the diagnostic and
monitor information for the entire system is collected. The
information is then compared to stored templates for the normal
operating conditions of the mobile storage system 10. Every error
and inconsistency is reported with a location in the mobile storage
system along with an explanation to why it is reported and
suggestions to how it might be remedied. This is a powerful tool to
quickly determine system health of the mobile storage system.
[0063] Ability to send a diagnostic snapshot or send service
information in real-time to the manufacturer/distributor of the
mobile storage system 10 is also a feature of the present
disclosure. The manufacturer's service department can then contact
the user/operator for troubleshooting help. FIG. 12 shows an
example of the diagnostic and service application software main
page. When the "SYSTEM SAVE" button is pressed on the "System File
Operations (ECF):" section 76 of the main page 60, a page is
displayed where the service and installation personnel can enter
descriptive text in various fields as shown in FIG. 23. After
entering the information in one of the text boxes, the "SAVE"
button 108 is pressed and all the system parameters and status
information along with the descriptive text is saved into a file
that can then be emailed to others such as the service department
for assistance as needed. It is also envisioned that such
information can be shared real-time to further ease installation
and service.
[0064] The system of the present disclosure also includes
application software to alert service personnel that the system
needs preventive maintenance and what should be checked. Utilizing
the system check features along with information such as movement
counts and installation dates, the application software can be set
up to send and alert service personnel that preventative
maintenance is due.
[0065] The system and software of the present disclosure includes
an auto connect feature to connect to nearest system or select a
detectable system. The application software has the ability to
access resources on the smart device. One specific resource reports
the number Bluetooth devices found during a scanning process. The
master controller 42 contains a name and characteristics that are
unique to the master controller 42. The application software scans
for Bluetooth devices and uses the unique name and characteristics
to find devices of interest. This is how it finds all detectable
mobile storage systems that are in range. The nearest mobile
storage system is found by the application software using Bluetooth
signal strength. The stronger the signal, the closer the mobile
storage system.
[0066] The system and software of the present disclosure provides a
system lock-out feature in which system movement is not allowed
from other sources while application software is connected to the
mobile storage system. When the application software establishes a
wireless connection to the master controller on the mobile storage
system, all access is disabled from other sources. Some of these
sources include the local control panel 24 that is mounted on each
mobile unit 12, other smart devices with the application software,
RF remotes, and IR remotes. The one control that is always active
from every source is the Stop button shown in FIG. 11. The lockout
feature gives an added level of assurance to the service personal
that while working on the system it cannot be moved by anyone else
while the application software is connected.
[0067] Security for the service application software is provided
via a login screen requiring entry of a registered user name and
password upon opening the application. FIG. 24 shows an example of
a login screen. Correct credentials is a required security measure
to assure that only authorized users can connect via the
application software to a mobile storage system 10. Periodic entry
of credentials may be required on a smart device 38 to verify a
user continues to be registered. At the time of login, the master
controller 42 may log the event as well as the smart device's
unique identifier.
[0068] The system and software of the present disclosure provides a
user lock-out feature in which only one person at a time can be
connected to the system. The user lock-out feature allows an
administrator to set a mobile storage system and application
software so that movement and access to the mobile storage system
is only allowed via the application software. This feature may be
used in areas of public access such as a library where students and
faculty are issued the application software and the controls on the
system are locked out. This ensures that only one user at a time
can access the system. This also allows a complete log of who
accessed the system, where access occurred, the time and date of
the access, as well as the duration of the access
[0069] Links to online step by step assistance for installation and
service is also provided by the software and system of the present
disclosure. When further information that cannot be practically
maintained in the application software is required, links to online
step by step assistance are embedded within the application
software. The information at these on-line links can be maintained
and managed separately from the application software allowing
frequent update with current information.
[0070] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable
scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include
other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other
examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they
have structural elements that do not differ from the literal
language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural
elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages
of the claims.
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